South India Coastal Tour

(14 Days / 13 Nights)
(Chennai-Mamallapuram-Kanchipuram-Madurai-Thekkady (Periyar)-Trivandrum-Cochin-Chennai)

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South India has always been the desired city of several invaders but it was untouched by invasions throughout its history. South India is a land of temples, spices, sandalwood and coconut groves. South India comprises of four states mainly, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. South India Coastal Tour is designed for those who have a love for nature and a thirst for the discovery of unexplored areas in South India. In the South India Coastal tour you will visit one of the India's famous wildlife reserves, famous shore temples in Mamallapuram and beaches. The beaches in Kerala are rated among the best in the world. Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala is famous for its Kovalam beach. This tour is one of the most delightful tours in India.

Day 01. Flight to India (Chennai)
Around Midnight arrival in Chennai (formerly Madras). The cosmopolitan City and capital of Tamil Nadu is the main gateway for travellers to South India. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the Hotel.

Day 02. Chennai
After having our breakfast we start the sightseeing of Chennai. We visit the St. George Fort near the harbour area of Chennai. This fort was built by the British in the 17th century. After visiting the St. George Fort we visit the St. Mary's church. This church was the first English church in India. 

Day 03. Chennai - Mamallapuram (about 60 kms)
Today we drive to Mamallapuram. Mamallapuram nestling on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, was once a port of the Pallavas. The Pallavas have created many marvellous monuments, caves, monolithic Rathas and Temples. These monuments attract tourists from all over the world. Today we visit the Arjuna's Penance. This skilfully carved rock is the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world. This sculpture derived its name from Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata, who performed a penance to obtain a boon from Lord Siva. But, some people also believe that the figure is actually of Bhagiratha who entreated Siva to let the River Ganges flow over the earth. After visiting the Arjuna's Penance we visit the Five Rathas. There are five monolithic temples, each created in different style. These Rathas are also know as Pancha Pandava Rathas. Four of the Rathas are supposed to have scooped out of a single rock formation. In the evening we visit the Shore Temple. This temple is one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 8th Century AD and is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style.

Day 04. Mamallapuram - Kanchipuram (about 66 kms)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to the west of Mamallapuram to Kanchipuram. This temple town was once the capital of the Pallava dynasty. Kanchipuram is one of the India's Seven sacred cities. This city was under the rule of the Pallavas from 6th to 8th century A.D and later became the citadel of Cholas, Vijayanagar Kings, the Muslim and the British. The silk sarees produced here are renowned throughout the world. In the evening we visit the Vaikuntam Perumal Temple. This temple is one of the important Vishnu temples which was built by Pallava King Nandivarman Pallavamalla in the 7th century A.D. Various inscriptions are found in this temple related to the wars between the Pallavas and Chalukyas. The presiding deity Lord Vishnu is depicted in sitting, standing and reclining postures. After visiting this temple we visit the Kailasanathar Temple. This Pallava temple was constructed in the 8th century and has an attractive panel depicting Shiva and Parvathi in the midst of one of their innumerable dance competitions. The architecture of this temple resembles the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram.

Day 05. Kanchipuram - Madurai
In the morning we visit the Ekambareswarar Temple. This temple was renovated by the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Vijayanagar kings. The 57 metres high Rajagopuram is one of the tallest towers in South India. The 2,501 year old mango tree inside the temple has 4 branches each yielding different varities of mangoes. This temple has five spacious corridors (parikramas) and a beautiful 1,000 pillar hall. After visiting the temple we leave Kanchipuram and drive to Madurai. Madurai, situated on the banks of river Vaigai is also referred as the Athens of the East. Madurai has the most outstanding examples of Vijayanagar temple architecture.

Day 06. Madurai
Today we visit Tirumalai Nayaka Palace which was built in the 1636 and represent the Indo-Mughal style. After visiting the palace we visit the Gandhi Museum. In Gandhi Museum we get the information about the life of Gandhi and freedom movement during the presence of British in India. After visiting the Museum we visit the Minakshi Temple, temple belonging to the 16th and 17th century. This temple is the most outstanding example of the Vijayanagar temple architecture. We will spend enough time in Minakshi Temple and afterwards have a walk through the bazaars of this 2500 years old town.

Day 07. Madurai - Thekkady (Periyar)
In the afternoon we drive to Thekkady. Thekkady is one of the India's largest wildlife sanctuary. This sanctuary has a large variety of flora and fauna and is the ultimate place of many endangered species and a rich tribal culture. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 780 square kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 square kms. In 1978, Thekkady was declared as Periyar Tiger Reserve, under the Project Tiger Scheme.

Day 08. Thekkady
We start our day by having a boat ride on the Periyar lake. The Periyar lake is the central point of the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. After the Boat ride we drive through the Park and observe the activities of various animals. Elephants, Bison, Sambar, Wild oxen, Wild boar and Spotted Deer are the various animals which are found in this park. 

Day 09. Thekkady - Trivandrum
In the morning we drive to Trivandrum. Trivandrum formerly known as Thiruvananthapuram is gateway to one of the most beautiful Indian states, Kerala. Stretching along the southern coast of the country, with the Backwaters reaching deep into the verdant countryside, Kerala affords a fascinating experience. It is one of the most beautiful cities of India. On arrival, you will be transferred to hotel. Later proceed for a sight seeing of Trivandrum. We will visit Padmanabha Swamy Temple. This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu who is depicted reclining on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake from which the city derives its name. Exquisite stone carvings and pavilions are worth admiring. We will also visit the Vettukad Church. This church is also known as The 'Madre De Deus' Church and attracts thousands of devotees from all religions.

Day 10. Trivandrum
Today we will visit Varkala Beach and Sankhumugham Beach. Varkala beach is a seaside resort, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. Sankhumugham Beach has long stretch of clean sand and is located near the airport. Enjoy whole of the day at beaches.

Day 11. Trivandrum - Cochin
In the morning we drive along the coast to Cochin. Cochin is the most interesting town in South India at Malabar Coast and is also known as Venice of South. In Cochin we visit St. Francis church, the oldest European church in India in which the grave of famous sailor Vasco da Gama can be visited. After the visit of St. Francis Church we have a walk through the Jewish area of Mattancherry.

Day 12. Cochin
Today, the town of Cochin is divided into different parts, Fort Cochin, Willington Island, Ernakulam, Bolghatty Island and Vypeen Island. Most of the historic buildings are in Fort Cochin. We have whole day today at leisure so that we can explore Cochin on our own and visit these islands and churches. In the evening we visit a Kathakali dance school. Kathakali dances come from Kerala and in its traditional form relate stories from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Day 13. Cochin - Chennai (by air)
Today after having breakfast we drive to the airport for the flight to Chennai. After arrival in Chennai we will get refresh and have dinner before we depart to the airport with the Indo Vacations representative.

Day 14. Flight to Home
Around midnight flight to home destination.

Tour Reservation
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